Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 takeaways from Game 3 vs. Rockets

The Minnesota Timberwolves won their first home playoff game in 14 years, beating the Houston Rockets 121-105. Here’s what we learned from Game 3.

Last time they played at Target Center, the Minnesota Timberwolves clinched their first playoff berth since 2004. They followed that performance up with an equally thrilling one in their home playoff opener, beating the Houston Rockets in Game 3, 121-105.

Karl-Anthony Towns came out of hibernation, going for 18 points, 16 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Jeff Teague went off for 23 points and eight assists on 9-of-14 shooting. Andrew Wiggins continued his solid postseason by scoring 20 points on an efficient 11 shots, while adding five boards and five dimes. Jimmy Butler was terrific again, with 28 points on 10-of-19 shooting, seven rebounds, five assists and a game-high plus-19 rating.

But Minnesota’s win was about more than their big three scorers. It was about depth, defense and strategic adjustments. It was also about feeding off the home crowd, a bad game from Houston, and luck.

As we look at the important takeaways from Game 3, we will consider how much of what the Wolves did well is repeatable, and how much is bound to regress.